Misha mixin’ it with A- list

The Manchester singer’s new single Do You Think Of Me is out tomorrow. I spoke to her about the show, snubbing Louis Walsh on a plane, touring with Nicki Minaj and imaginary children

The Manchester singer’s new single Do You Think Of Me is out tomorrow. I spoke to her about the show, snubbing Louis Walsh on a plane, touring with Nicki Minaj and imaginary children.

Q: You’ve managed to use The X Factor to get great exposure while remaining a credible artist. How?

A: I was lucky that on the show they allowed me to put my stamp on everything I performed without trying to mould me into something I’m not. Because my passion for music is so strong there was no other way I could have come out. But that show has helped make my dreams come true faster than I could ever have imagined.

Q: Releasing a mixtape rather than a single straight after the show was a brave move – were you advised against it by anyone?

A: I had already started the mixtape before I went on The X Factor, so I really wanted to put it out. I talked with my record label about it and they were behind me. Plus, a single is like homework – you can’t rush it and expect results you are happy with.

Q: Your new single Do You Think Of Me has meaningful lyrics rather than the throwaway stuff that dominates the charts. Are you sick of party tracks?

A: There has to be a balance, I think. If I’m going out there is a place for those types of songs but I don’t want to be drowned in them. This song was inspired by moving to London, away from my family. When I have strong emotions I always find therapy in writing about them.

Q: If you were on a long-haul flight with Louis Walsh, would you talk to him the whole way or put your headphones on and watch a film? Tell the truth!

A: I would definitely put my headphones on and watch a fi lm. If he had something interesting to talk about then maybe we could chat for a little while.

Q: Imagine you had kids. Would you encourage them to get into the music industry – even if you didn’t think they had the talent?

A: Like any mother I’d be encouraging and supportive of my children but I would also have an honesty with them that I would hope would prevent them getting hurt. The music industry is a tough place but I think it can also be very rewarding.

Q: You’re on tour with Nicki Minaj – what’s that like?

A: There’s amazing energy and I have to pinch myself. I’m at the start of my career and I’m on tour with one of the biggest stars in the world. We haven’t met yet because our pre-show schedules clash – but the end of tour party is gonna be big. I’m going to thank her and give her a gift. I can’t wait.

Q: Whose singing voice would you swap for your own if you had to?

A: It would have to be either Whitney Houston or Beyoncé. For me those are two of the best voices there have ever been and I grew up listening to both of them.